Arsenal's move for Declan Rice in the summer transfer window looks set to send ripples throughout the market as the size of such a deal is set to adjust expectations.
The Gunners are believed to have won the race for the England international midfielder over rivals Manchester City, agreeing a club-record deal worth £105million with West Ham. While there has been slight delays in getting the move over the line, due to the large and complicated nature of such a large sum, it appears close to confirmation.
A deal of such magnitude is set to send shockwaves throughout the market, with some reports claiming that Brighton are holding out for closer to Rice's fee than before for Moises Caicedo. The Hammers' search for a replacement won't be easy, with teams knowing they have money to spend.
As a result, a huge price tag has been placed on their target Joao Palhinha at Fulham, further indicating the difficulties set by such a move. There could also be a huge knock on impact on the Gunners and their rivals Chelsea and Liverpool in a separate move for Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia.
The Belgian starlet has been heavily linked with a transfer this summer following an impressive breakout campaign, despite the Saints' relegation. It's resulted in being touted with a switch in the coming weeks, though a price tag set at roughly £50million could be a large fee.
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However, while the teams circle a move, that may not be possible due to the knock on impact of Rice's move to Arsenal in the next few days. According to the Daily Mail, West Ham are looking at Southampton star James Ward-Prowse as an option to replace their captain in a cut-price deal.
The report adds that the Saints don't wish to lose both Ward-Prowse and Lavia in the summer transfer window, which could result in just one exit. If that is the case, it may spell bad news for Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in their pursuit of the youngster as part of a midfield rebuild.
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